Landis Arboretum Elder Council Brings Voices of Experience

ESPERANCE, NY (07/02/2008)(readMedia)-- The Landis Arboretum Board of Directors unanimously supported the creation of an Elder Council at its June meeting. In addition to supporting Board established goals, the Council is expected to serve as an ad hoc sounding board to the Arboretum's executive director, especially in matters related to fundraising and membership recruitment.

Throughout history and across cultures, organized entities have respected the maturity, insight, and vision associated with experience. The Landis Arboretum continues that tradition with the implementation of an official Elder Council. Comprised of longstanding members who have distinguished themselves through personal, professional, and/or financial contributions to the growth and economic viability of the Arboretum, the Elder Council is viewed as an essential element in preserving the best practices of the past as the Arboretum takes on new challenges to membership and economic viability.

According to Anne Jaster, a former Arboretum trustee, "We believe that we can be especially helpful to new members of the Arboretum Board. Those of us on the new Council love Landis and have devoted our energies and support to nurturing its growth through the years." Ms. Jaster's service to the Arboretum includes her service as president from 1992 - 1994.

"The active participation of the Elder Council will enable the current Board of Trustees to devote more of its time and energy to their fiduciary goals in support of the Arboretum," said Executive Director Thom O'Connor.

"In addition to the institutional wisdom and seasoned service of Elder Council members in the growth and expansion of Landis, we also hope to benefit from their established networks of influence. This aspect is more important than ever as we explore new avenues of fundraising on behalf of the Arboretum," O'Connor added.

2008 - 2009 Elder Council Members are: Paul Blair, Niskayuna; Dick Clowe, Pattersonville; Fran Finkbeiner, Herm Finkbeiner, Rexford; Anne Jaster, Merv Prichard, and Peter Remora, Schenectady; Susan Sagendorf, Cobleskill; Carol Wock, Rexford; and Nick Zabawsky (Amsterdam). Marion Raymond, Ithaca, will serve as an At Large member of the Council.

"The Board's ratification of the Elder Council - coupled with the formation of a Teen Board and recent partnership with the Schoharie County Youth Bureau -- shows our commitment to honor the best practices of the past as we work to revitalize our membership among all segments of the demographic spectrum," O'Connor observed.

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